Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RIGA873
2007-11-23 13:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Riga
Cable title:
E-PINE POLITICAL DIRECTORS, MEETING
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 RIGA 000873
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2017
TAGS: PREL ENRG RS GG MD BO BK LG
SUBJECT: E-PINE POLITICAL DIRECTORS, MEETING
Classified By: Charge d'affaires a.i., Stuart M. Seldowitz. Reason:
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 RIGA 000873
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2017
TAGS: PREL ENRG RS GG MD BO BK LG
SUBJECT: E-PINE POLITICAL DIRECTORS, MEETING
Classified By: Charge d'affaires a.i., Stuart M. Seldowitz. Reason: 1.
4 (b and d)
1. (C) SUMMARY. The fall meeting of the e-PINE Political
Directors was held October 26 in Riga, Latvia. Political
Directors from seven Nordic and Baltic nations met with EUR
Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried to compare notes on the
countries that make up e-PINE,s core focus: Georgia,
Moldova, Belarus, and Ukraine. In addition, participants
discussed issues of common concern such as Russia and Kosovo.
The political directors agreed that Ukraine needs to be build
an effective coalition quickly, that Belarus needs to make
more progress on human rights and democracy before e-PINE
countries can engage further, and that Georgia's orientation
towards the West should be encouraged. Russia,s relations
with most e-PINE countries are still difficult. Finally,
e-PINE PolDirs agreed that it is important to support talks
in Kosovo up to December 10, but no further unless a solution
is imminent. END SUMMARY.
--------------
RUSSIA
--------------
2. (C) Latvian PolDir Ilgvars Klava noted that bilateral
relations with Russia were developing and that there had been
some progress in the past few months, particularly the recent
ratification of the Latvia-Russia border treaty in Moscow.
A/S Fried noted that the U.S. was trying to make progress
with Russia in strategic areas, such as CFE and MD, and was
making efforts to maintain positives in the relationship.
3. (C) A/S Fried gave a readout on recent bilateral
meetings with Russia in Berlin and Moscow. In Moscow,
Russian FM Lavrov told Secretary Rice that it might be
possible for Russia to rescind its threat to withdraw from
CFE. Fried said that, in Berlin, the U.S. responded to
Russian questions regarding the "action for action" plan, the
flank regime, the Istanbul Commitments as regards Moldova and
Georgia, and Baltic and Slovenian accession to CFE. Fried
rejected the Russian request that the flank regime no longer
apply to Russia. The Russians expressed an interest in
consulting bilaterally with the Balts on provisions for
joining the CFE. A/S Fried said he responded that he felt
the Balts would prefer to discuss issues with the U.S. and
NATO first and that he would be surprised if they wanted
bilateral discussions with Russia (an assessment all three
Baltic PolDirs affirmed). Fried had noted that no formal or
binding agreements would be made before December 12th. It
was still uncertain whther Russia would agree to the U.S.
proposals or suspend the treaty.
4. (C) Participants agreed that dealing with Russia
bilaterally worked to Russia,s benefit; it was best to try
and deal with Russia from a position of strength and unity.
The upcoming presidential and Duma elections would be
important and would be watched with interest. Swedish PolDir
Lyrvall noted that Russia might not accept the Swedes or the
Finns as election observers, finding them "too biased."
--------------
UKRAINE
--------------
5. (C) Participants generally thought that the recent
elections had been relatively free and fair. The Ukrainians
needed to move forward on setting up an effective governing
coalition, regardless of "color," that could make needed
reforms and end the stagnation of the past year-and-a-half.
Political directors agreed that Ukraine needs to know it has
options other than Russia. For that to happen, Europe and
the U.S. need to engage Ukraine. A/S Fried noted that the
successful democratization of Ukraine is particularly
important since Russia cannot dismiss or belittle Ukraine's
progress as it can Georgia's or that of the Baltics. The
Russians perceive a reformed Ukraine with strong ties to the
West as a threat.
6. (C) Participants agreed that while Ukraine is making
progress, it needs to become more responsible for itself. In
particular, Ukraine needs to make more of an effort on
economic, constitutional, and judicial reforms, and energy
efficiency. Energy is proving to be a corrupting influence
in Ukraine, and the Ukrainians need to waste less. The more
quickly they can reach market prices for energy, the better.
--------------
RIGA 00000873 002 OF 003
MOLDOVA
--------------
7. (C) PolDirs generally agreed that EUBAM is a success
story. Further, they thought that a common EU position on
Moldova would be helpful vis-a-vis the Russians. In addition
to problems with Russia, the Romanian-Moldovan conflicts
created complications for dealing with Moldova. Fried noted
that Voronin is inconsistent regarding the future of Moldova
and that he needs to push internal reforms more.
8. (C) Swedish PolDir Lyrvall said he had just returned from
Moldova and reported that Russia was making some progress in
accepting the Moldovan position. He felt that the ideas the
Moldovans had presented to the Russians were good and might
form the basis for an eventual agreement. The Moldovan
proposal included: Transnistrian autonomy; Moldovan
neutrality; the ratification of CFE on the departure of
Russian peacekeepers; and civilian observer missions from the
OSCE that could contain some non-military Russians.
--------------
BELARUS
--------------
9. (C) Participants felt that Belarus needs to make more
progress on human rights and democracy if it is interested in
having better relations with Europe. Sweden's Lyrvall said
there might be a need to examine the European position to see
if it is the right one, however. Lithuanian PolDir Navikas
took a somewhat harder line, suggesting that adding sanctions
against the family members of sanctioned officials might be
one direction to take (with which Norway,s Eide disagreed).
A/S Fried noted that, although the U.S would welcome better
relations with Belarus, we needed a "down payment," such as
the release of political prisoners, before that could become
a reality. He added that the U.S is willing to expand civil
society contacts and engage mid-level officials more while
maintaining pressure on the upper levels of the regime,
measures with which participants agreed. Next year,s
elections (October 2008) will require careful scrutiny.
10. (C) The Belarusian economic situation, especially as it
relates to fuel prices, was noted. Gas prices are due to
rise to market levels by 2012, and participants were
uncertain what effect this would have on Lukashenka,s regime
in the short or long terms.
--------------
GEORGIA
--------------
11. (C) Political directors thought it good to encourage
Georgia's European orientation. A/S Fried noted that dealing
with Georgia is becoming more difficult due to its current
chilly relations with Russia. He added that, should Russia
recognize Abkhazia, this should not be a cost-free decision
for Russia; all should support diplomatic approaches to
Georgia's frozen conflicts. Latvian PolDir Klava thought
that sending experts groups to investigate the missile
incident had been a good thing, especially since Russia had
not expected it and had been unsure how to react.
12. (C) In general, there was agreement on support of MAP
for Georgia, although Norway's PolDir Eide noted that NATO
was divided between those who thought MAP could hinder
resolution of the frozen conflicts and those who thought it
could help. A/S Fried noted that the U.S. does not believe
MAP is the only way forward; we should treat Georgia as is
warranted by its own progress.
--------------
KOSOVO, BOSNIA
--------------
13. (C) A/S Fried said that it was very important to offer
complete support for the Troika up until December 10. He
praised Wolfgang Ischinger's work and said that the deal
currently on the table was good, though he did not think that
the Serbs would support it. Fried added, however, that
December 10 has to be viewed as a firm deadline; although he
did not think that the Kosovars would declare independence
that day, the process could not be allowed to drag out. He
said that the U.S was unhappy with developments in Bosnia and
that RS PM Dodik needed to be made aware that there would be
repercussions should he continue to threaten the security of
the Balkans. Norwegian PolDir Eide agreed and noted that the
Serbs had informed him while he was in Belgrade that the
presidential elections had been moved up yet again and would
RIGA 00000873 003 OF 003
possibly be held as early as December 9.
14. (U) Participants:
U.S.
EUR A/S Daniel Fried
Embassy Riga DCM Stuart Seldowitz
Embassy Riga Pol/Econ Chief Tamir Waser
e-PINE Coordinator Julie-Anne Peterson (notetaker)
DENMARK
Political Director Lise Lotte Plesner
William Boe, Head of Section, MFA
ESTONIA
Political Director Aivo Orav
Ly Metsis, First Secretary, Embassy of Estonia
Reen Liivat, Second Secretary, U.S. and e-PINE Officer
FINLAND
Political Director Pilvi-Sisko Vierros
Miia Lahti, Second Secretary, MFA
ICELAND
No participation
LATVIA
Political Director Ilgvars Klava
Liga Andersone, Head of East Europe and Central Asia Division
Vineta Mekone, Head of Russia Division
Zane Petre, First Secretary, European Correspondent
LITHUANIA
Acting Political Director Egidijus Navikas
Andrius Krivas, Head of NATO Division
Natalija Burbiene, Counselor of the Embassy of Lithuania
NORWAY
Political Director Kai Eide
Gyrid Celius, Adviser, Section for Global Security Issues and
CIS Countries
SWEDEN
Director General for Political Affairs Bjorn Lyrvall
Malena Mard, Director, Deputy Head of the Department for
Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Joakim Lofvendahl, First Secretary, Embassy of Sweden
15. (U) A/S Fried cleared this cable.
SELDOWITZ
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2017
TAGS: PREL ENRG RS GG MD BO BK LG
SUBJECT: E-PINE POLITICAL DIRECTORS, MEETING
Classified By: Charge d'affaires a.i., Stuart M. Seldowitz. Reason: 1.
4 (b and d)
1. (C) SUMMARY. The fall meeting of the e-PINE Political
Directors was held October 26 in Riga, Latvia. Political
Directors from seven Nordic and Baltic nations met with EUR
Assistant Secretary Daniel Fried to compare notes on the
countries that make up e-PINE,s core focus: Georgia,
Moldova, Belarus, and Ukraine. In addition, participants
discussed issues of common concern such as Russia and Kosovo.
The political directors agreed that Ukraine needs to be build
an effective coalition quickly, that Belarus needs to make
more progress on human rights and democracy before e-PINE
countries can engage further, and that Georgia's orientation
towards the West should be encouraged. Russia,s relations
with most e-PINE countries are still difficult. Finally,
e-PINE PolDirs agreed that it is important to support talks
in Kosovo up to December 10, but no further unless a solution
is imminent. END SUMMARY.
--------------
RUSSIA
--------------
2. (C) Latvian PolDir Ilgvars Klava noted that bilateral
relations with Russia were developing and that there had been
some progress in the past few months, particularly the recent
ratification of the Latvia-Russia border treaty in Moscow.
A/S Fried noted that the U.S. was trying to make progress
with Russia in strategic areas, such as CFE and MD, and was
making efforts to maintain positives in the relationship.
3. (C) A/S Fried gave a readout on recent bilateral
meetings with Russia in Berlin and Moscow. In Moscow,
Russian FM Lavrov told Secretary Rice that it might be
possible for Russia to rescind its threat to withdraw from
CFE. Fried said that, in Berlin, the U.S. responded to
Russian questions regarding the "action for action" plan, the
flank regime, the Istanbul Commitments as regards Moldova and
Georgia, and Baltic and Slovenian accession to CFE. Fried
rejected the Russian request that the flank regime no longer
apply to Russia. The Russians expressed an interest in
consulting bilaterally with the Balts on provisions for
joining the CFE. A/S Fried said he responded that he felt
the Balts would prefer to discuss issues with the U.S. and
NATO first and that he would be surprised if they wanted
bilateral discussions with Russia (an assessment all three
Baltic PolDirs affirmed). Fried had noted that no formal or
binding agreements would be made before December 12th. It
was still uncertain whther Russia would agree to the U.S.
proposals or suspend the treaty.
4. (C) Participants agreed that dealing with Russia
bilaterally worked to Russia,s benefit; it was best to try
and deal with Russia from a position of strength and unity.
The upcoming presidential and Duma elections would be
important and would be watched with interest. Swedish PolDir
Lyrvall noted that Russia might not accept the Swedes or the
Finns as election observers, finding them "too biased."
--------------
UKRAINE
--------------
5. (C) Participants generally thought that the recent
elections had been relatively free and fair. The Ukrainians
needed to move forward on setting up an effective governing
coalition, regardless of "color," that could make needed
reforms and end the stagnation of the past year-and-a-half.
Political directors agreed that Ukraine needs to know it has
options other than Russia. For that to happen, Europe and
the U.S. need to engage Ukraine. A/S Fried noted that the
successful democratization of Ukraine is particularly
important since Russia cannot dismiss or belittle Ukraine's
progress as it can Georgia's or that of the Baltics. The
Russians perceive a reformed Ukraine with strong ties to the
West as a threat.
6. (C) Participants agreed that while Ukraine is making
progress, it needs to become more responsible for itself. In
particular, Ukraine needs to make more of an effort on
economic, constitutional, and judicial reforms, and energy
efficiency. Energy is proving to be a corrupting influence
in Ukraine, and the Ukrainians need to waste less. The more
quickly they can reach market prices for energy, the better.
--------------
RIGA 00000873 002 OF 003
MOLDOVA
--------------
7. (C) PolDirs generally agreed that EUBAM is a success
story. Further, they thought that a common EU position on
Moldova would be helpful vis-a-vis the Russians. In addition
to problems with Russia, the Romanian-Moldovan conflicts
created complications for dealing with Moldova. Fried noted
that Voronin is inconsistent regarding the future of Moldova
and that he needs to push internal reforms more.
8. (C) Swedish PolDir Lyrvall said he had just returned from
Moldova and reported that Russia was making some progress in
accepting the Moldovan position. He felt that the ideas the
Moldovans had presented to the Russians were good and might
form the basis for an eventual agreement. The Moldovan
proposal included: Transnistrian autonomy; Moldovan
neutrality; the ratification of CFE on the departure of
Russian peacekeepers; and civilian observer missions from the
OSCE that could contain some non-military Russians.
--------------
BELARUS
--------------
9. (C) Participants felt that Belarus needs to make more
progress on human rights and democracy if it is interested in
having better relations with Europe. Sweden's Lyrvall said
there might be a need to examine the European position to see
if it is the right one, however. Lithuanian PolDir Navikas
took a somewhat harder line, suggesting that adding sanctions
against the family members of sanctioned officials might be
one direction to take (with which Norway,s Eide disagreed).
A/S Fried noted that, although the U.S would welcome better
relations with Belarus, we needed a "down payment," such as
the release of political prisoners, before that could become
a reality. He added that the U.S is willing to expand civil
society contacts and engage mid-level officials more while
maintaining pressure on the upper levels of the regime,
measures with which participants agreed. Next year,s
elections (October 2008) will require careful scrutiny.
10. (C) The Belarusian economic situation, especially as it
relates to fuel prices, was noted. Gas prices are due to
rise to market levels by 2012, and participants were
uncertain what effect this would have on Lukashenka,s regime
in the short or long terms.
--------------
GEORGIA
--------------
11. (C) Political directors thought it good to encourage
Georgia's European orientation. A/S Fried noted that dealing
with Georgia is becoming more difficult due to its current
chilly relations with Russia. He added that, should Russia
recognize Abkhazia, this should not be a cost-free decision
for Russia; all should support diplomatic approaches to
Georgia's frozen conflicts. Latvian PolDir Klava thought
that sending experts groups to investigate the missile
incident had been a good thing, especially since Russia had
not expected it and had been unsure how to react.
12. (C) In general, there was agreement on support of MAP
for Georgia, although Norway's PolDir Eide noted that NATO
was divided between those who thought MAP could hinder
resolution of the frozen conflicts and those who thought it
could help. A/S Fried noted that the U.S. does not believe
MAP is the only way forward; we should treat Georgia as is
warranted by its own progress.
--------------
KOSOVO, BOSNIA
--------------
13. (C) A/S Fried said that it was very important to offer
complete support for the Troika up until December 10. He
praised Wolfgang Ischinger's work and said that the deal
currently on the table was good, though he did not think that
the Serbs would support it. Fried added, however, that
December 10 has to be viewed as a firm deadline; although he
did not think that the Kosovars would declare independence
that day, the process could not be allowed to drag out. He
said that the U.S was unhappy with developments in Bosnia and
that RS PM Dodik needed to be made aware that there would be
repercussions should he continue to threaten the security of
the Balkans. Norwegian PolDir Eide agreed and noted that the
Serbs had informed him while he was in Belgrade that the
presidential elections had been moved up yet again and would
RIGA 00000873 003 OF 003
possibly be held as early as December 9.
14. (U) Participants:
U.S.
EUR A/S Daniel Fried
Embassy Riga DCM Stuart Seldowitz
Embassy Riga Pol/Econ Chief Tamir Waser
e-PINE Coordinator Julie-Anne Peterson (notetaker)
DENMARK
Political Director Lise Lotte Plesner
William Boe, Head of Section, MFA
ESTONIA
Political Director Aivo Orav
Ly Metsis, First Secretary, Embassy of Estonia
Reen Liivat, Second Secretary, U.S. and e-PINE Officer
FINLAND
Political Director Pilvi-Sisko Vierros
Miia Lahti, Second Secretary, MFA
ICELAND
No participation
LATVIA
Political Director Ilgvars Klava
Liga Andersone, Head of East Europe and Central Asia Division
Vineta Mekone, Head of Russia Division
Zane Petre, First Secretary, European Correspondent
LITHUANIA
Acting Political Director Egidijus Navikas
Andrius Krivas, Head of NATO Division
Natalija Burbiene, Counselor of the Embassy of Lithuania
NORWAY
Political Director Kai Eide
Gyrid Celius, Adviser, Section for Global Security Issues and
CIS Countries
SWEDEN
Director General for Political Affairs Bjorn Lyrvall
Malena Mard, Director, Deputy Head of the Department for
Eastern Europe and Central Asia
Joakim Lofvendahl, First Secretary, Embassy of Sweden
15. (U) A/S Fried cleared this cable.
SELDOWITZ